Climb Elbrus from the North

Please note that unlike other guiding companies, we always climb Elbrus’s higher West summit (5642m) and the lower East one (5621m) – in order to avoid possible disaccord between group members.

Climbing Elbrus from the north, you will not see hotels, highways or restaurants, but you will get the opportunity to admire the night towns of KavMinvod and ancient moraines, which have amazing “lava” sculptures as decorations. And above all this splendor stands the huge Elbrus. Nearby, at an altitude of three kilometers, there is also a huge plateau — a natural airfield. During the war, the Germans used it for landing troops. Those who follow the “caravan route” from the south and descend there will not see all this. We offer you the most authentic climbing of Elbrus, with nights in a tent, mountain streams and a sea of romance. On our route you will not see or hear any signs of human civilization – only mountains and nature. Please note that only the Megafon operator is connected in the north of Elbrus.

We strongly recommend watching a lecture by our most experienced Elbrus guide about Elbrus.

Day 1. Arrival in Mineralnye Vody — the group meeting point. Please plan your arrival no later than 12:00 noon in order to catch the transfer to the foot of Elbrus. After meeting the guide and other participants, we head to Emmanuel Glade — a picturesque place located in the heart of the mountains. Here you will be accommodated in a cozy mountain shelter, followed by dinner and a detailed briefing about the ascent program. You will learn the route details and receive recommendations on acclimatization and safety. Overnight in the shelter.

Day 2. Early wake-up and breakfast. Today we have an acclimatization hike up to 3700 m. The group will follow the route to the hut while simultaneously carrying part of the equipment and supplies. Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful views of the Caucasus Mountains and feel your body gradually adapting to the altitude. After a rest at the hut, we descend back to Emmanuel Glade. Dinner and overnight in the shelter.

Day 3. Today is the main ascent to the hut located at an altitude of 3700 m. After breakfast, the group begins a gradual climb at a comfortable pace to avoid overload. Upon arrival at the hut, accommodation, a hot dinner, and rest await you. In the evening, the guide will conduct a short briefing to clarify the plan for the next day. Overnight in the shelter at 3700 m.

Day 4. A morning walk in the fresh mountain air turns into an acclimatization hike up to 4700 m to the Lenz Rocks. This is an important stage of preparation to adapt to high-altitude conditions. During the ascent, you will enjoy panoramic views of glaciers and surrounding peaks. After reaching the Lenz Rocks, the group returns to the hut for rest and overnight. The evening is dedicated to recovery and preparation for the summit attempt. Overnight in the shelter at 3700 m.

Day 5. Rest day and preparation for the main event of the program — the ascent of Elbrus. The group spends the day in the hut organizing equipment, checking gear, and reviewing route details. There will also be time to discuss safety procedures and route specifics. Dinner and overnight in the shelter at 3700 m.

Day 6. Summit day. Start between 2:00 and 4:00 a.m.; the exact departure time is determined by the guide depending on weather conditions. At dawn, the ascent along the classic route begins. The average duration of the climb is 10–12 hours up and 4–6 hours down, including rest time and short stops. The summit of Elbrus (5642 m) is a unique moment that will be remembered forever, offering incredible views and a true sense of triumph. After a short stop on the summit, the group begins the descent back to the hut at 3700 m. A hot dinner and well-deserved rest await you. Overnight in the shelter.

Day 7. Reserve day. Used in case of bad weather or other circumstances preventing the ascent on the planned day. If the reserve day is not needed, the group can spend it resting or taking short walks in the surrounding area. Overnight in the shelter.

Day 8. After breakfast, the descent from the hut to Emmanuel Glade begins. At the glade, transport will meet the group and take you back to Mineralnye Vody. Hotel accommodation, time to rest, and possibly a walk around the city. In the evening — a celebratory dinner where you can share impressions of the ascent. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9. Final day of the program. In the morning — transfer to the airport or railway station of Mineralnye Vody. For a comfortable departure, evening flights are recommended to allow for possible schedule changes on previous days. If the group arrived in Mineralnye Vody late in the evening the day before, the transfer may be organized on the morning of this day.

• Hotel accommodation in twin rooms. Number of nights according to the program. Please note — check-out from the hotel is by 12:00 noon.
• Accommodation in mountain shelters. Number of nights according to the program.
• All transfers according to the program.
• Three meals a day during the mountain part of the program. Dinner on the first day, breakfast on the last day.
• Breakfasts at the hotel in Mineralnye Vody.
• All required permits and registrations.
• Guides. A lead guide throughout the entire program and assistant guides on the summit day (based on a ratio of 1 guide per 3 clients — this does not mean the group will be split into small sub-groups). There is no limit on the number of summit attempts for the group. However, if part of the group reaches the summit and part does not, the ascent is considered completed; additional attempts are paid separately.
• Group equipment (ropes, ice screws, radios, satellite navigators, etc.).
• Rental of a duffel bag for rental and personal equipment for the duration of the ascent.

• Single accommodation
• Personal equipment
• Services of guides and cooks in case of any deviations to the original schedule.
• Lunches and dinners in Mineralnye Vody
• Any costs caused by the changing of the programs

Rock-and-Rent has absolutely everything, of a good high level, you can arrive even in shorts (especially if you book everything in advance, we will give you a ride to the north of Elbrus). We selected all the equipment based on only one factor: maximum compliance with the conditions of Elbrus, where we have been driving since 2001!

And yes, we have compiled this list very carefully, in total, the company’s guides have conducted several thousand ascents, and we do not think that there is anything superfluous in it!

Documents

• Valid passport
• Airline tickets
• Voucher (a form, which was sent to you for obtaining visa)
• Insurance

Personal equipment

• Backpack
• Sleeping bag
• Ski/trekking poles be sure to have rings of at least 70 mm
• Crampons
• Ice axe
• Mountaineering Lanyard
• Helmet
• Harness
• 5 Carabines
• 7 meters of 5 or 6 mm rope

Clothing and shoes.

• Wind and waterproof layer – Pants and Jacket. Gore-Tex, for example.
• Fleece pants and jacket
• Thermo underwear layer – top and bottom
• Dawn jacket.
• Mittens
• Thick gloves
• Thin gloves
• Bandana
• Warm hat
• Underwear, socks and so on
• Some warm socks for a summit day
• Balaclava
• Windproof face mask
• Gators
• Trekking shoes/trekking boots
• Double or triple boots

Travel Accessories

• Headlamp
• Shower accessories, toothpaste, toothbrush
• Sunglasses
• Ski goggles
• Vitamins
• Thermos (1 liter, better without button)
• Sunblock and lip balm
• Personal medical kit
• Spare contact lenses or glasses
• Knee supportsMountaineering Lanyard